The thought of feeling nervous before Sunday's regular-season opener just didn't make sense to him.

"I try not to have jitters," Thompkins said. "I think it starts with preparation, make sure I’m on top of things I need to be on top of, and there shouldn’t be no jitters."

Maybe that's why the undrafted free agent lapped second-rounder Aaron Dobson and fourth-rounder Josh Boyce in training camp and the preseason. It might have also helped him lead the Patriots with 15 receptions for 166 yards in the preseason.

So, why should it be any different now?

"I’m going out there playing football, and it starts with preparation," Thompkins said. "I do a lot of studying and making sure I’m on top of things I need to be on top of and I go out there and try to do the best I can do each and every day."